What other situations require building permits?
- When renovating any structure that changes its size or includes structural (support) alterations.
- Any structure with retaining walls over 4 feet high
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Planning and Development FAQ
Click the + to expand the answers to the frequently asked questions
Why do I need both development and building permits?
The development permit is issued by the Town of Drayton Valley, confirming that the proposed development meets with the requirements of the Town’s Land Use Bylaw and all statutory planning documents.
The building permit is issued through the Town of Drayton Valley, but is the Safety Codes Officer’s authorization for the construction to proceed so that is meets provincial regulations (Alberta Building Code).
What is the processing time for permits?
Processing times vary, generally during the winter months (October to April) processing times are usually 1-2 weeks. During the summer months (May to September) the Planning & Development departments number of permits rises, with processing times approximately 3-4 weeks. Please allow yourself a minimum of 4 weeks so that you may get your permit in time to start construction. To be fair to everyone, applications are processed in the order which was received.
I have my development permit, can I start building now?
When a development permit has been approved, there is a 3 week appeal period that follows. This gives the adjacent landowners an opportunity to appeal your application. Construction should also wait until the building permit has been approved or the building inspector has given you verbal approval to start. Any construction that begins prior to any permits being issued is solely at the applicant’s risk. The Town of Drayton Valley does not take any responsibility for construction that begins prior to permits being approved.
How much does a permit cost?
Permit fees vary on the type of construction you are doing. Please refer to the fee schedule below for permit costs.
Click here for: 2022 Fee Schedule
What requires a permit?
Below are projects that require Development and/or Building Permits. Please look over this list to check to see if the project you are wishing to build requires either or both of these permits. If your project is not listed, please contact the Planning and Development Department at (780) 514-2200.
| Type of Project | Development Permit required | Building Permit required |
| New residential structure (ie. House, duplex, threeplex, fourplex, modular home, mobile home), addition, basement suite |
Yes | Yes |
| Basement Development (finishing) | n/a | Yes |
| Detached Garage or Carport | Yes | Yes |
| Deck under 1 foot above grade level | n/a | n/a |
| Deck 1 foot + above grade level | Yes | Yes (when above 2 feet) |
| Shed, greenhouse, storage building, playhouse under 110 sq ft | n/a | n/a |
| Shed, greenhouse, storage building, playhouse 110 sq ft + | Yes | Yes |
| Commercial & Industrial Buildings, residential structures greater than a fourplex | Yes | Yes |
| Temporary Signage (banner, sandwich board, portable) | Yes | n/a |
| Signage (fascia, awning/canopy, projecting, inflatable, roof, freestanding, or billboard) | Yes | Yes |
| Wood Burning Unit | n/a | Yes |
| Lot Grading, stripping of topsoil | Yes | n/a |
| Landscaping | n/a | n/a |
| Building Renovations (cosmetic and no structural) | n/a | n/a |
| Demolition and moving of buildings | Yes | Yes |
What other situations require development permits?
- Any change in use (ie. A former residence becomes a retail store)
- Any changes in size and shape of a structure
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